Description

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A systematic exploration of the arguments for Scottish independence from a sympathetic angle.

The Scottish independence question is one of the pivotal questions facing British politics and the future of the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most contentious and misunderstood. 

In Scotland Rising, Gerry Hassan addresses the fundamental questions covering the Scottish independence debate so that people can better understand the case for independence and the nuances, contours, and implications for the whole country. Looking beyond the merits and shortcomings of the SNP and the Conservative government in Westminster, Hassan tackles the larger driving dynamics of 'the Scottish Question' - a growing desire amongst many Scots for an explicit discussion about society, public policy choices, and wider values.

Addressing the constitutional framework, and questions about the role of government and democracy, the nature of the British state, society, and capitalism, Scotland Rising makes an urgent and intelligent contribution to one of the defining political questions of our time.

About the Author

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Gerry Hassan is a leading commentator on Scottish politics and independence. He is Professor of Social Change at Glasgow Caledonian University and the author of many books including The Strange Death of Labour Scotland, The People’s Flag and the Union Jack and Caledonian Dreaming. He has written for The Guardian, openDemocracy, Bella Caledonia, The Scotsman, New Statesman and the Irish Times.

Praise For…

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'This is a comprehensive, well-sourced and very wide-ranging discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Scotland's independence movement, as it faces the challenges of a second referendum. Hassan shows how sterile the extreme arguments of unionist and nationalist can be. And he offers a fascinating projection of the impact of Scottish independence on the remnant UK and, in particular, on the 'Empire State' delusions of England's elites'
Neal Ascherson, writer and author of 'Black Sea’

'Gerry Hassan’s forensic, incisive and also respectful account lays out the arguments for and against Scottish independence. The future of Scotland, Hassan rightly notes, will not be decided by true believers and activists for Yes or No, but by many hundreds of thousands of Scots who need to be reasoned with and convinced. This constructive, thoughtful, sharp- edged discussion confronts the choices for a new Scotland. It’s also very readable as well as scholarly'
Gavin Esler, broadcaster and author of ‘How Britain Ends'

'A careful consensual account of how Scotland has come to be at the brink of independence, and of what this choice means for those who are not who are not yet committed either way. A clear description of what has changed since 2014 leading to a forensic examination of the implications for independence of the new context: a far less self-assured British elite. And a clear warning of just how nasty this debate is likely to become, across the UK'
Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography, University of Oxford

'An important and timely contribution to the future of the Scottish independent movement'
Ruth Wishart, journalist and broadcaster

'Scotland needs this book. Read it. Give to your grandparents and grandkids. Put it on reading lists for students. Make sure it’s in the libraries. It’s one of the new pillars which we need to structure our thinking'
Alison Phipps, Professor of Languages & Intercultural Studies and UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts at University of Glasgow

'The definitive account of why a decaying democracy in Westminster has triggered democratic renewal in Scotland through the desire for Independence. [This] book is essential reading for everyone who wants to understand the future of the UK, whether it breaks up or how it reconfigures itself'
Neal Lawson, Director at Compass

'This book’s distinction lies not just in its breadth of coverage, but in the light it sheds upon contesting points of view, and the depth to which it recognises identity, culture and the power of myth in Scottish independence. It emphasises the urgency of understanding opposing arguments to aid social change: an ability sadly lacking in most of the political world'
Alastair McIntosh, human ecologist and author of 'Riders on the Storm'

'This is a very welcome contribution on the Scotland’s future that recognises that Scotland’s constitutional future cannot be divorced from the kind of society and economy and this requires tough, honest choices. Not everyone will agree with Gerry’s prescriptions but everyone should welcome this important, stimulating and serious book'
James Mitchell, Professor of Government, University of Edinburgh

'Too often arguments for or against Scottish independence are framed in short-termist narrow terms that reflect the confines of current - and flawed - economic debates. This book breaks out of today's thinking and looks to the bigger and deeper issues at stake'
Katherine Trebeck, political economist

'Scotland’s future and our constitutional choices warrant deeper, richer debate – debate that allows for imaginative ideas, candid questioning and respect for diversity. With clarity and substance, this book speaks to important issues inherently implicated in such debates, thinking about what’s at stake and why it matters'
Dr Hannah Graham, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Stirling University

'Scotland's future is not just about narrow politics, but the cultural realm, power of stories and drawing from the richness of the human imagination. [This] is a clarion call for that wider canvas challenging the closed order of too many of our debates and should be read by anyone interested in the future of this nation irrespective of their views'
David Greig, playwright and cultural commentator

‘Scotland Rising is an indispensable guide to the current state of the independence debate and it deserves to be widely read and discussed’
‘Bella Caledonia’

'Scotland Rising is a deeply thought through weighty gift whose time has come. Hassan offers a chance of some deeper thinking about what it means to be human'
'The National'

'Hassan deftly rephrases this issue to avoid a black and white discussion as to the merits of independence or union but as to which is best capable to dealing with the new challenges of the present era'
'The Drouth'